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In this Update:
Standing Up for Pennsylvania Taxpayers and Families
The electorate has spoken and the election results are profound for our nation and our commonwealth. While the outcome is not what we had hoped, I am proud of the incredible hard work of each of our members. Our Senate Republican Caucus has been steadfast in stopping massive spending increases proposed by Democrats and upholding our Constitutional rights and freedoms. This is a new time of transition, but our fight for Pennsylvanians will not cease. Veterans Breakfast in Punxsutawney
Rep. Brian Smith and I had the great honor and pleasure to host our annual veterans’ breakfast at VFW Post 2076 last week. This is a small token of our thanks and appreciation for the many sacrifices veterans have made while valiantly serving our country. Thank you to all who attended – we enjoyed spending the morning with you! Indiana County Senior Expo
It was a beautiful Fall day to once again co-host a Senior Expo at S&T Bank arena in Indiana with my colleagues, Rep. Jim Struzzi and Rep. Brian Smith. I believe we had a record crowd in attendance! I was grateful to have the opportunity to talk with many seniors about state government issues impacting them. Thank you to all who attended and the vendors who provided information on their services and donated wonderful door prizes. Apollo Borough Halloween Parade
It was a great honor to be invited to serve as the Grand Marshal for Apollo Borough’s Halloween Parade. The enthusiasm of the community and the participation of so many local organizations made the event truly special. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate this cherished annual tradition. Thank you for the invitation and for allowing me to be part of such a memorable event. State Grant Awarded for White Township Recreation Complex
Earlier this month, I joined with Rep. Brian Smith, Rep. Jim Struzzi, along with White Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Gallo & Recreation Director Ryan Shaffer to announce a $248,500 C2P2 grant for the White Township Recreation Complex. The grant is a Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant (C2P2) which will help fund the construction of pavilion, internal loop trail, pedestrian walkway and fishing platform; installation of utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. “I was pleased to work with Rep. Struzzi and Rep. Smith to support White Township’s construction efforts and thoughtful plan for the recreation complex,” Pittman said. “Investing in recreational opportunities strengthens our local communities and helps to encourage more outdoor engagement.” “Indiana County is a beautiful place to live and work,” Rep. Struzzi said. “I am proud to support projects that enhance accessibility to our wonderful local parks.” “Recreation facilities bring people together, support healthy lifestyles and create opportunities for residents of all ages to connect and thrive,” Smith said. “This funding will help strengthen an important community resource and ensure it remains a place where families can gather, children can play and memories can be made for generations to come.” Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants are managed by the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC), builds connections between Pennsylvanians and the outdoors by supporting recreational improvements, natural resource conservation, and community revitalization efforts. PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability
Taxpayers have seen childcare fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, and we’ve passed a new law to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Act 113 of 2026 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports will cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania, and this law will help ensure it’s spent properly. New Law Helps Protect Children from Online Exploitation
A new law I supported provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Act 71 of 2026 expands the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program, providing grants to help pay for investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists and education for professionals working on cases involving human trafficking, sexual offenses, child sexual abuse, unlawful contact with minors and the sexual exploitation of children using online platforms. The bill is called “Alicia’s Law” in honor of Alicia Kozak (Kozakiewicz), a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted, sexually assaulted and tortured at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as the nation’s first known internet-facilitated child abduction case. Read more about Alicia’s Law. Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period is now open. Eligible applicants can receive a one-time cash grant to help pay a heating bill. Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type and is sent directly to the utility provider or fuel company. Families experiencing an emergency related to household heat may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant. Learn more about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program here. Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement in Effect
Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets. With that in mind, please note the state’s cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect through April 30. Boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet or on any kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Even on warm days from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes and streams. Wearing a life jacket helps you survive cold-water shock, which occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled and swimming is difficult. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. State Police Accepting Applications for Youth Camp
Pennsylvania residents aged 15 to 17 interested in a career in law enforcement or the military can apply now to attend the State Police Youth Week camp taking place June 6-12, 2027, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. Held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania American Legion, the camp provides cadets hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training to build their understanding of law enforcement as well as their confidence, teamwork, self-esteem and leadership abilities. Candidates should be physically fit with a strong academic record. Local American Legion posts sponsor cadets and cover the registration fees. For more information and an application, visit the State Police Youth Week webpage. |
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